theglobeandmail.com
Edmonton's Kelly's Pub: A Community Hub Built on Hockey, Beer, and Camaraderie
Kelly's Pub in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, a 152-seat sports bar near Rogers Place, has fostered a strong community of Oilers fans and sports lovers over 13 years, attracting patrons with its affordable 20-ounce pints ($6.75), diverse sports programming, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff, making it a popular gathering spot during and beyond the NHL playoffs.
- How does Kelly's Pub's atmosphere and staff contribute to its unique loyalty and community engagement?
- The success of Kelly's Pub demonstrates the importance of community and atmosphere in a sports bar. The pub's longevity, even before the nearby arena opened, showcases its ability to foster loyalty beyond just game-day crowds. This success is directly attributed to the staff's dedication and the inclusive, welcoming atmosphere cultivated over the years.
- What factors contribute to Kelly's Pub's sustained success and its role as a community hub, especially during the Oilers' playoff run?
- Kelly's Pub in Edmonton, Canada, has cultivated a loyal following over 13 years, becoming a central gathering spot for Oilers hockey fans and sports enthusiasts alike during playoffs and beyond. Its welcoming atmosphere, affordable 20-ounce pints ($6.75), and diverse sports programming attract a consistent clientele, with many regulars forming close bonds with the staff. This spring, during the Oilers' playoff run, the pub's energy has been particularly high, highlighting its role as a community hub.
- What broader implications does Kelly's Pub's success have for the sports bar industry regarding community building and customer loyalty?
- Kelly's Pub's model of community-building within a sports bar setting presents a replicable strategy for other establishments. By prioritizing affordable pricing, friendly staff interactions, and a diverse sports selection, Kelly's caters to a broad clientele, ensuring consistent business even during the off-season. This approach suggests a shift towards the experiential, rather than solely transactional, aspects of hospitality.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the loyal clientele, welcoming atmosphere, and affordability of Kelly's Pub. The headline and introduction emphasize the positive aspects of community and shared experience, setting a celebratory tone that might overshadow any potential negative aspects of the pub or broader issues within the sports bar industry. The positive descriptions could unintentionally create an overly idealized view.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and descriptive, employing words like "unforgettable," "spirited," "welcoming," and "hilarious." While evocative, this positive phrasing could be considered loaded language, potentially creating an overly enthusiastic portrayal. More neutral alternatives could include words like "popular," "lively," "comfortable," and "amusing." The repetition of positive descriptions reinforces the positive framing.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Kelly's Pub and its atmosphere, neglecting other sports bars in Edmonton or Canada. While this provides a detailed look at one establishment, it omits broader perspectives on sports bar culture in the country. The lack of comparative analysis limits the article's scope and prevents a more comprehensive understanding of the overall phenomenon. Omission of other bars might be due to space constraints, but acknowledging this limitation would strengthen the piece.
Gender Bias
The article doesn't exhibit overt gender bias. Both male and female perspectives are included (Krebes and Green, respectively), and gender is not a significant factor in the narrative. However, the article could benefit from more diversity in the voices and perspectives presented, such as including female staff members or female patrons.
Sustainable Development Goals
Kelly's Pub fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where people from diverse backgrounds and economic situations can come together, reducing social barriers and promoting a sense of community. The affordable pricing, especially for drinks, makes the establishment accessible to a wider range of clientele.